The VVA Veteran: Proudly They Serve

may/june 2008

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Chapter 483, Yauco, Puerto Rico
Proudly They Serve

Most VVA members know that our organization has chapters outside the Continental United States, all of whom work in many ways, as VVA’s motto puts it, “In Service to America.” That includes Chapter 483 in Yauco, Puerto Rico, which also sees its mission as educating Americans on the important role played by Puerto Ricans “in every war and conflict of the United States since the Spanish-American War,” as José Valentin, the Chapter President, recently said.

“We have men and women,” Valentin said, “who have received medals including the Medal of Honor, Silver Star, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medals, and many others.”

Chapter 483 honors the service of Puerto Rican veterans and serves its community in many ways, including marching in Memorial Day parades, working on community-service projects such as feeding the homeless, providing Christmas gifts to children in need, and speaking out for veterans’ rights and benefits. “We want to give credit and recognition to Puerto Rican soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines,” Valentin said. “We here in Puerto Rico are proud to have served in the greatest military force in the world.”